Entering a "not guilty" plea is not surprising. What is surprising is that Currie is no longer represented by private attorney Dale Kelberman, and is now represented by federal public defender, Joseph L. Evans. This is most certainly a strong signal, given Currie's health problems, that Currie intends to cut a deal and spare himself a long, drawn-out trial. So the question is not if, but, when, will Currie step down from his senate seat.